Disclaimer: I have permission to post these photos. Though out of respect to the Virgen, I have not included some photos.
This was indeed a very rare opportunity. I was able to be part of the intimacy with Virgen Guadalupe de Cebu. Many thanks to La Camarera Sebastiana Quijada and her grandson Nonotch Redula. Lola Sebatiana is the 5th generation camarera of the Virgen.
This was actually my second time to witness the vesting of the Patrona de Cebu. However, the first experience that happened last 2011 fiesta season, was a private one. I was only able to peek at the small window of the room and was only allowed to enter after.
Camarea in Spanish means "Waitress" - a woman whose job is to serve. Camarera dela Virgen is the lady who serves the Virgen's needs. Traditionally, camarera should be women. But in the Philippines, there are also men, are refer to as the Camareros.
One unique practice of Lola Sebastiana is apologizing to the Virgen before she touches and changes the vestments. I didn't know about these things, until I told Nonotch about the camarera video (seen above). Nonotch asked me if I noticed his lola kissed the Virgen, which I did. He said that upon kissing, his lola whispered those words of sorry - "Patawad mahan na Virgen at ika'y aming hahawakan...mga kamay na marurumi, mga kamay na hindi karapat-dapat na hawakan ka..."
For added reference, I have included in this post a short video about a camarera in Seville, Spain. You will notice the similar practice.
Here are some photos I took.
This was indeed a very rare opportunity. I was able to be part of the intimacy with Virgen Guadalupe de Cebu. Many thanks to La Camarera Sebastiana Quijada and her grandson Nonotch Redula. Lola Sebatiana is the 5th generation camarera of the Virgen.
This was actually my second time to witness the vesting of the Patrona de Cebu. However, the first experience that happened last 2011 fiesta season, was a private one. I was only able to peek at the small window of the room and was only allowed to enter after.
Camarea in Spanish means "Waitress" - a woman whose job is to serve. Camarera dela Virgen is the lady who serves the Virgen's needs. Traditionally, camarera should be women. But in the Philippines, there are also men, are refer to as the Camareros.
One unique practice of Lola Sebastiana is apologizing to the Virgen before she touches and changes the vestments. I didn't know about these things, until I told Nonotch about the camarera video (seen above). Nonotch asked me if I noticed his lola kissed the Virgen, which I did. He said that upon kissing, his lola whispered those words of sorry - "Patawad mahan na Virgen at ika'y aming hahawakan...mga kamay na marurumi, mga kamay na hindi karapat-dapat na hawakan ka..."
For added reference, I have included in this post a short video about a camarera in Seville, Spain. You will notice the similar practice.
Here are some photos I took.